The believing man is a man who wants to make a contribution to society. He is not afraid to take risks. He lets his voice be heard and, in doing so, makes the world a better place. He has discovered his calling from God, and he pursues it with all his heart.

He has the courage to do something for the benefit of his community. Nehemiah is an example of a man who had the courage to speak to the king on behalf of his community.

One day four months later, when Emperor Artaxerxes was dining, I took the wine to him. He had never seen me look sad before, so he asked, “Why are you looking so sad? You aren’t ill, so it must be that you’re unhappy.” I was startled and answered, “May Your Majesty live for ever! How can I help looking sad when the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” The emperor asked, “What is it that you want?” I prayed to the God of Heaven, and then I said to the emperor, “If Your Majesty is pleased with me and is willing to grant my request, let me go to the land of Judah, to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I can rebuild the city.” The emperor, with the empress sitting at his side, approved my request.  Nehemiah 2:1-6a

Our godly man stands up for what is right. He has backbone and is not afraid to take a stand, even against his superiors. Even when opposing the opinions of others, he remains polite. Daniel, an exile at the court of the Babylonian king, stood by God’s laws against the orders of the king himself. Read Daniel 1:3-8

The king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief official, to select from among the Israelite exiles some young men of the royal family and of the noble families. They had to be handsome, intelligent, well trained, quick to learn, and free from physical defects, so that they would be qualified to serve in the royal court. Ashpenaz was to teach them to read and write the Babylonian language. The king also gave orders that every day they were to be given the same food and wine as the members of the royal court. After three years of this training they were to appear before the king. Among those chosen were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, all of whom were from the tribe of Judah. The chief official gave them new names: Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Daniel made up his mind not to let himself become ritually unclean by eating the food and drinking the wine of the royal court, so he asked Ashpenaz to help him.

Have you discovered God's calling for your life? Can you say: I am he?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to make a contribution in my own community and make a difference. I beg you to give me the necessary courage to take a stand for what is right, even when everyone disagrees with me. Amen